The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has accused officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) of preventing him from greeting Nigeria’s victorious Under-17 women’s football team, the Flamingos, at an airport, allegedly over fears of losing their jobs.
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Key Highlights
- Peter Obi says NFF officials stopped him from greeting the Flamingos at an airport on Monday.
- He claims officials said they would lose their jobs if he approached the team.
- Obi recalls a similar incident at a World Cup qualifier in Uyo on March 25, 2025.
- The NDC candidate describes the incident as a sign of growing political intolerance.
- Obi had congratulated the Flamingos on Sunday over their U-17 Women’s World Cup win.
Obi said the officials refused to allow him to approach the young footballers when he offered to congratulate and welcome them following their triumph at the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The former Anambra State governor described the incident as an indication of the growing political intolerance in Nigeria, where, according to him, political differences are increasingly affecting ordinary interactions and national unity.
What Happened At The Airport
In a statement posted on his X account on Monday, Obi said he arrived at the airport at about 7 a.m. to board a flight to Enugu when he sighted the Flamingos, who had just arrived and were preparing to leave the airport.
He said he subsequently instructed his Protocol Officer, Jackie Wayas, to find out whether he could approach the players to congratulate them.
However, he claimed that his request was rejected by NFF officials, who allegedly warned that they could lose their jobs if he interacted with the team.
“With genuine joy and enthusiasm, I asked my Protocol Officer, Jackie Wayas, to find out whether I could greet and welcome the team.
“I was informed that officials of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) had refused and had requested that I not approach them because, if I did, they would all lose their jobs,” Obi said.
The NDC presidential candidate said the incident is not the first time he has allegedly been prevented from interacting with Nigerian footballers because of political considerations.
Similar Incident In Uyo
He recalled a similar experience on March 25, 2025, when he travelled to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to watch a World Cup qualifying match.
According to him, although the state governor welcomed him at the VIP stand, government officials who later went to greet the players were allegedly prevented from allowing him to join them.
“Following the match, other government officials went to greet the players, but I was again prevented from doing so. I was told by the officials that they would lose their jobs if I proceeded,” he added.
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Obi lamented what he described as the worsening culture of political hostility in the country, arguing that the development was undermining national cohesion and mutual respect.
“It is deeply troubling to witness the extent of toxic politics into which our nation has descended since 2025. Each year appears to bring further deterioration. This reflects how deeply Nigeria has been affected,” he stated.
He called for a country where citizens could freely interact and celebrate national achievements without being subjected to intimidation or discrimination because of their political affiliations.
“The new Nigeria we aspire to build must have no room for hostility, intimidation, or discrimination, regardless of political affiliation.
“It must be a Nigeria in which unity, mutual respect, and our shared humanity take precedence over political differences,” he said.
Obi’s complaint came a day after he publicly congratulated the Flamingos for their victory at the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
In a separate message on Sunday, he praised the players for their resilience, dedication and performance, describing their achievement as a source of national pride.
He thanked the young footballers for raising Nigeria’s flag and bringing joy to the country, while congratulating them on their historic achievement.
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